Jason Solanki

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Wine lover since 2001! My interest in wine began while touring the factory where they printed the LCBO VINTAGES magazine.
Over time, my passion for wine grew. Now, I am highly regarded by friends and colleagues as a resource for when they need a wine for that special occasion, be it an anniversary, birthday, wedding, gatherings at home, or when they want to impress their special friend or the In-Laws.
Combining my interest in the Internet/web/computers, you can find me at https://vintagewinepicks.blogspot.com where you will find more wine reviews, events and contests.
Reviews
Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2018, Wo Hemel En Aarde Valley
Walker Bay, South Africa$59.95
The medium-high intensity nose seems shy, but offers dark berry, black cherry, black currant, black plum, orange rind, and limestone mineral aromas. It's medium-full bodied and quite structured with smooth, polished tannins that have some grip. Very nice aroma replays on the flavour profile, plus some blueberry and mulberry notes joining the party. A touch tart fruited on the mid-palate. Finish is long and juicy. Best after 2-3 years ageing. Tasted Nov/2019.
Barossa Valley Estate E&E Black Pepper Shiraz 2016, Barossa Valley, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$80.25
Fresh, highly aromatic, and complex nose of dark berry, blackberry, sweet spice, and earthy nuances. It's full-bodied on the palate with big tannins that are well-integrated. Lovely baking spice, dark berry, and earthy replays on the flavour profile supported by mouthwatering acidity. Well-balanced throughout with pepper spice, dark berry, and earthy notes lingering on the long finish. Tasted Nov/2019.
Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Maipo Valley, Chile$74.95
Highly aromatic with lovely cherry, dark berry, floral and sweet spices. It's full-bodied on the palate with very nice fruit-forward aroma replays, harmonious and showing plenty of finesse. Acids are very good, refined tannins and excellent finish length. A special wine to be enjoyed over the next 5-6 years. Tasted Nov/2016.
Chãteau De Beaucastel Chãteauneuf Du Pape 2017, Ac, France
Rhône, France$93.95
A blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, and the balance other varietals, the nose needs some coaxing to reveal black spice, dark berry, plum, garrigue, flinty mineral, and pepper spice aromas, with much of the same on the palate. It is full-bodied, dense, thick, and richly concentrated with firm, grippy tannins and a long, mouth-watering finish. A big wine that needs 3-4 years of cellar time and should drink well over next 20+ years. Tasted Oct/2019.
Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2015, Barolo
Piedmont, Italy$59.95
Fragrant and elegant aromas of cherry, floral, anise, and wild berry notes. It is full-bodied with good fruit and density, well-managed, finely-grained tannins and lovely aroma replays along with crushed raspberry flavours. Nicely balanced throughout with fresh acidity and hints of mineral and licorice on the long finish. Tasted Nov/2019.
Pol Roger Vintage Extra Cuvee De Reserve Brut Champagne 2008, Ac
Champagne, France$96.95
Highly aromatic nose is autolytic with bready, toasty, lime and pastry aromas. It's dry and lively on the palate with very fine mousse. Very nice aroma replays, plus hints of brioche, nutty, and floral notes adding complexity. Some orange notes mid-palate. Tart acids are very fresh and energetic. Crisp, long finish is excellent. Very special Champagne. Tasted Oct/2017.
Ornellaia 2014, Doc Bolgheri Superiore
Tuscany, Italy$239.95
Blend of 34% Cab Sauv, 32% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc, and 20% Petit Verdot. The medium+ intensity nose feels a bit shy but offers dark currant, cherry, raspberry, oak spices, forest floor, and cassis in a ripe profile. It's full-bodied with smooth, refined tannins that are a touch grippy. It's big and structured with a warm mid-palate. Lovely aromas replays. Mouth-watering acids. Well-balanced overall and excellent finish length. A beauty to drink over the next 20 years. Tasted Oct/2017.
Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Extra Brut Champagne 2012, Ac
Champagne, France$95.95
Aged 5+ years, this blend of 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 26% Pinot Meunier has intense aromatics featuring complex savoury, leesy, earthy, pastry, brioche, and lightly toasty aromas with some maturity. It is medium-bodied with a crisp, finely textured mouthfeel. Lemony acids with tangy, grapefruit notes brighten the palate. Well-balanced throughout with a long, fruity finish. Tasted Nov/2019.
Les Cailloux Châteauneuf Du Pape 2016, Ac
Rhône, France$65.95
A blend of 70% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and 3% Cinsault, this has appealing, fragrant aromas of dark red cherries mingle with mineral and all kinds of complex spices. The full-bodied palate had structured fruit, firm tannins, fresh acids, and flavourful with very nice aroma replays. Excellent length on the finish, if a touch warming. Enjoy over the next 10-15 years. Tasted Jan/2020. Score: 92+ pts
Luce 2020, I.G.T. Toscana
Tuscany, Italy$129.95
This blend of 55% Sangiovese and 45% Merlot is fresh and highly aromatic on the nose with lovely mineral, clove, dark red cherry, black cherry, and cocoa aromas. It's full-bodied on the concentrated and structured palate with lovely. harmonious aroma replays on the flavour profile, plus notes of sweet spices and savoury oak. It has juicy, mouth-watering acidity and smooth, refined, and well-structured tannins. Elegant sweet spices and earthy notes linger on the finish, with excellent length. Tasted Sept. 2023.